Discoloration on face during pregnancy

Changes to your skin during pregnancy

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As your pregnancy develops, you may find that you experience changes to your skin and hair. Some women can develop dark patches on their face and hormonal changes can make your skin a little darker.

You may also develop stretch marks on your body, particularly around your stomach where your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby.

Chloasma - dark patches on the face

Some pregnant women develop dark irregular patches on their face most commonly on the upper cheek, nose, lips, and forehead. This is called 'chloasma'. It is also sometimes known as 'melasma' or the 'mask of pregnancy'.

Chloasma is thought to be due to stimulation of pigment-producing cells by female sex hormones so that they produce more melanin pigments (dark coloured pigments) when the skin is exposed to sun. Some women develop these patches when they take oral contraceptives (the pill).

Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are more likely to develop these patches. The patches usually fade over a period of several months after giving birth, though they may last for several years for some women.

Careful protection of the skin using broad spectrum sunscreens every day during pregnancy and while taking the pill may make it less likely that chloasma will develop. It is necessary to continue to use sunscreen after pregnancy as sun exposure may cause the patches to reappear. Some creams that need to be prescribed by doctors may help to fade the patches.

Skin and hair changes

Hormonal changes taking place in pregnancy will make your nipples and the area around them go darker. Your skin colour may also darken a little, either in patches or all over. Birthmarks, moles and freckles may also darken. Some women develop a dark line down the middle of their stomach, called 'linea nigra'. These changes will gradually fade after the baby is born, although your nipples may remain a little darker.

If you sunbathe while you are pregnant, you may burn more easily. Protect your skin with a good high-factor sunscreen and don't stay in the sun for a long time.

Hair growth can also increase in pregnancy, and your hair may be greasier. After the baby is born, it may seem as if you are losing a lot of hair but you are simply losing the extra hair.

Stretch marks

Many women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy, usually in the last 3 months.

They usually appear on your stomach or sometimes on your upper thighs or breasts. Stretch marks are not harmful and over time, your skin will shrink and the stretch marks will fade into white-coloured scars.

Find out more on stretch marks.

Sources:

Royal Women's Hospital Victoria (Common concerns in early pregnancy - itching and skin), The Australasian College of Dermatologists (Striae), The Australasian College of Dermatologists (Melasma)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: January 2020

Common discomforts during pregnancy
Stretch marks

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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Skin darkening during pregnancy (melasma or chloasma)

Pregnancy
Your Body

By Eva Dasher

September 25, 2020

It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery.

Photo credit: Thinkstock

Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy?
What causes melasma?
Is my linea nigra related to melasma?
How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy?
Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy?
Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness?

Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy?

Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Melasma is also sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because the splotches typically show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead in the shape of a mask.

You may also develop dark patches on your cheeks, along your jawline, or on your forearms and other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. What's more, skin that's already more pigmented – such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin of your genitals – may become even darker during pregnancy. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs.

What causes melasma?

Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes.

Sun exposure plays a role too. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin.

You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family.

Is my linea nigra related to melasma?

The same increased production of melanin that causes the facial splotches of melasma also causes the linea nigra, or dark line that you may notice running down your belly.

The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear.

How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy?

All changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery, but you can do a few things to safely minimize darkened spots on your skin during pregnancy:

Use sun protection. This is crucial because exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays triggers melasma and intensifies pigment changes. Use a broad-spectrum sunblock (a formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it's not sunny, and reapply often during the day if you're outside. This is true even if you have dark skin. Although dark skin has more melanin (pigment) than lighter skin and doesn't sunburn as quickly, it's not enough to protect you from harmful UV radiation.
Even if you don't plan to leave the house or spend much time outside, it's a good idea to apply sun protection as part of your morning routine. The American Academy of Dermatology cautions that your skin is exposed to a significant amount of UV light whenever you walk down the street, ride in a car, or even sit inside near a window.
When you're outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as a long-sleeved shirt if you have pigmentation changes on your arms. Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And definitely avoid tanning salons.
Don't wax. Using wax to remove hair can cause skin inflammation that worsens melasma, especially in areas of your body that are affected by pigmentation changes.
Use hypoallergenic skin care products. Cleansers and face creams that irritate your skin may make melasma worse.
Apply concealer. If the darkened spots bother you, cover them up by using makeup for now. Concealer with white and yellow undertones often helps, but consult the makeup salespeople at your local store to find the right product for your skin type. You can also seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist. Don't use skin-bleaching products while you're pregnant, and talk to your doctor before starting them if you are breastfeeding.

Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy?

Melasma usually fades without treatment after you have your baby. The darkened spots probably will fade within a year after delivery, and your skin should return to its normal shade, although sometimes the changes never completely disappear.

For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option.

If your skin is still blotchy a few months after giving birth and it's bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about treatment options for melasma. She may suggest using a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone (and possibly sunscreen), a topical medication that contains tretinoin (Retin-A), or a chemical peel such as azelaic acid.

If you're breastfeeding or plan to get pregnant again soon, let your provider know and check with her before using any over-the-counter treatments.

Don't expect instant results – it may take many months to see improvement. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option.

In any case, continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen every day, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours.

Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness?

Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems.

Call your provider if you have changes in skin pigmentation as well as pain, tenderness, redness, or bleeding, or if you notice any changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.

You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy.

Learn more:

Acne during pregnancy
Hair and nail changes during pregnancy
Varicose veins during pregnancy

Sources

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

AAD. Undated. Melasma. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020]

UpToDate. 2019. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-skin-hair-nails-and-mucous-membranes-during-pregnancy [Accessed September 2020]

UpToDate. 2020. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]

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How the skin changes during pregnancy

Gynecology

During pregnancy, every woman observes changes not only in her figure, but also in the condition of her skin. This is a normal process for this period in life. It is provoked by hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body. But if the resulting rash, abscesses or inflammation do not go away for more than two or three days, you should consult a doctor.

The main changes to which the skin is subject during pregnancy are manifested in the form of a decrease in its elasticity, it becomes less durable. As a result of the active growth of the tummy, in which the baby is located, the skin increases in size, its layers are torn. This contributes to the appearance of stretch marks or striae. They do not occur throughout the body, but in certain areas of it. The areas of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and chest are especially susceptible to this.

After childbirth, if the skin has low elasticity, then they tend to remain for life. To avoid them, the expectant mother needs to pay special attention to caring for her. To do this, you can regularly use special creams and oils for pregnant women that nourish and moisturize the skin. They will help her survive the increase in size without consequences. For the health of the baby and the general condition of the woman, they do not have side effects. During pregnancy, the skin becomes thin and transparent, and therefore more vulnerable to external influences. In the wind, it dries and weathers faster. Dry skin leads to flaking. There is also an increase in sensitivity. This contributes to the appearance of irritations and allergic reactions. Another common change in the condition of the skin is the process of increasing pigmentation. It manifests itself in the form of darkening of some of its zones and ugly spots. Under the influence of hormones, there is an increased work of skin cells, namely melanocytes. This is especially true for brunettes and swarthy women. There are no methods to deal with this process. The only good news is that after the baby is born, the skin will begin to return to its original state. During pregnancy, the skin of the face also changes. Spots appear on it, which are also called the “pregnant mask”. They are yellow or beige in the forehead, temples, cheekbones, around the mouth. They are located symmetrically on both sides of the face. The main factor that contributes to their appearance is the direct action of sunlight.

Therefore, in order to preserve the natural complexion, it is better to be less influenced by them. Also, effective results are brought by the use of various sunscreens or other products that are specially designed for pregnant women. They are hypoallergenic and do not contain alcohol. Decorative cosmetics, such as foundation, powder, will help hide spots for a while. After childbirth, over time, they disappear in almost every woman and do not leave any trace on the skin. Many skin changes during pregnancy are associated with the gender of the baby. So, for example, the appearance of spots indicates the birth of a girl. But this is only a hypothesis, which in practice is not always confirmed.

how and why does it change during pregnancy?

9monthsMother and child

Pregnancy can be safely called a time of changes that occur both in the mind and in the body of the expectant mother. Naturally, the skin also changes. We will tell you how to choose cosmetics that are right for you.

To be honest, no one will undertake to predict in advance what kind of changes a woman expects during pregnancy. Sometimes, under the influence of hormones, the skin condition noticeably improves: pores narrow, acne disappears, a blush appears. And sometimes the opposite happens: the complexion becomes earthy, the skin becomes inflamed, loses its tone and looks tired. But most often during this period, the skin becomes a little dry - this happens under the influence of female sex hormones, estrogens, which suppress the production of sebum. True, in fairness it should be noted that pure skin types are quite rare, as a rule, the skin is combination, combining drier and oily areas. Many cosmetologists today adhere to the division of skin into 4 types: dry, oily, combination prone to dryness, and combination prone to oiliness. The question arises: where is the normal skin type? It is rare and with age or under the influence of hormones, dry patches still appear on the skin.

Dry skin

Vitamins A and C, AHA acids (by the way, they are suitable for all skin types) cope well with this situation. But women in position should use them with caution and in minimal doses. In general, it is better to choose proven and hypoallergenic products, because the body's reaction can be completely unpredictable. Dry skin is often prone to premature aging. To prevent the appearance of fine wrinkles, use nourishing creams with antioxidants: they protect against free radicals, restore the lipid (fat) barrier and strengthen the skin's immunity. Dry skin must be supplied with substances that are similar in composition to the lipids of its surface layer (epidermis). It is also important to choose the right line of skin care products. Choose products that contain vegetable oils with unsaturated fatty acids and various waxes that form a thin film on the surface of the skin that prevents moisture from evaporating. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are also able to attract water. These components create a barrier between the skin and the environment that retains moisture in the epidermis for a long time and protects it from the aggressive effects of the environment. At home, you can make an effective moisturizing mask: mix the pulp of half a ripe avocado with 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Apply the mass on the face and hold for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. It not only perfectly saturates the skin with moisture, but also restores its protective barrier.

In salon. For in-salon treatments, a dermatologist can help you find a safe, skin-repairing maternity program, usually including masks and massages.